Find out what the top 15 new recipes were in 2015 on Sarah’s Cucina Bella in this fun year-end post.
Oh, 2015, what an interesting year you’ve been. From a cold, snowy winter to an active, fun summer to back to school and the holidays. we’ve eaten well this year, made new friends and had a great time in the process.
And here on Sarah’s Cucina Bella, I’ve shared some of our favorite foods, challenges, triumphs and stories. Thank you for following along, for commenting and for sharing bits of you with me here on SCB.
This was the year that I had to decide where SCB really fit into my life with a full time job. It was the year that I experimented a lot too — branching out what I write about into hair mask recipes, pop culture reviews and making more YouTube videos than I have … maybe ever.
I love looking back over the year, and seeing what recipes were most popular. And this year is no exception … so without further ado, here are the top 15 recipes of 2015.
#15 – Spicy Fajita Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese, one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, gets a makeover with the addition of jalapeños, seasoned sautéed onions and peppers, avocado and salsa. It’s a total explosion of flavor.
#14 – Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Breakfast Mug Cake
Tired of oatmeal? This recipe changes the routine by turning an ordinary packet of oatmeal into a delectable mug cake. In just a few minutes, you could be digging in.
#13 – Roasted Shrimp with Shallots and Garlic
This. Sauce. If you like shrimp, then you need to make this easy recipe for roasted shrimp because the shallot and garlic laced sauce, which combines butter and olive oil with a few other delicious ingredients, is amazing. Beyond amazing. Just try it.
#12 – Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
This was probably my daughter’s favorite recipe of the year because it combined a few of her favorite things into one fabulous bowl of pasta: chicken, bacon, peas, cheese and ranch dressing. It’s super easy, and perfect for lunch boxes.
#11 – Warm Roasted Vegetable Bowl with Pickled Carrots and Freekeh
Ever since working on my cookbook, Grains as Mains, I have worked to incorporate more and more different grains into our diet. This recipe swapped the usual rice for freekeh, a nutty ancient grain that I love. With tender, sweet roasted veggies and zesty pickled carrots, this was a favorite for me too.
#10 – Mediterranean Tuna Pasta
Red onion, red peppers, mushrooms, tuna, white wine and butter come together in this rich pasta recipe.
#9 – Creamy Chicken Quesadillas
Smoky cheese, a spicy cream sauce and rotisserie chicken are the stars in this quick and easy recipe.
#8 – Baked Avocado Fries
This was the biggest revelation of the year: Warm avocado is simply amazing. And envelope it in a crispy breading? OMG. Try this in 2016.
#7 – Spicy Cajun Roasted Cauliflower
Tender roasted cauliflower is tossed and baked in a spicy cajun yogurt sauce in this easy, delicious recipe.
#6 – Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Bacon
I like my potato leek soup creamy, smooth and full of flavor. This one is extra creamy and silky — and has a little added awesomeness in the form of bacon.
#5 – Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
If you like banana bread and cinnamon streusel anything, you will love this sweet, breakfast-perfect bread with a warm swirl of cinnamon through it.
#4 – Homemade Rustic Bread Loaf
I love making bread from scratch. And this fragrant, doughy, rustic loaf is one of my very favorites. Have you tried it yet?
#3 – Broiled Sockeye Salmon
Salmon is my daughter’s favorite food. If she sees it on a menu, she wants it every time. So this was, of course, a hit in our house. The sweet-salty rub makes it extra special.
#2 – Tuna, Avocado and Feta Salad with Lemon
When I made this salad, I found myself craving it again and again. I love that it’s a composed salad that I mix up right when I am about to eat it. And I love the combination of flavors and textures in it too. Apparently, so did lots of other folks too — Thank you!
And, the #1 recipe of 2015: Thin Crust Pizza Dough
Pizza with a thin crust? That’s my jam. And I especially love making it at home and experimenting with different flavor combinations for the pizza. So I am super happy that this was the top recipe of 2015 on SCB. It’s is my go-to recipe for homemade pizza dough, and I was so excited how many people loved it too.
Again, thanks for reading SCB in 2015 — I can’t wait to see you here in 2016 with fabulous new recipes, stories and more!
Lora @savoringitaly
Monday 11th of January 2016
What a delicious year and how fun that you do youtube videos! I'm swooning over that rustic bread and wouldn't mind a taste of that lovely banana bread with a hot cup of coffee! Happy New Year and to more delicious posts!
Kim Beaulieu
Saturday 9th of January 2016
I want one of everything. We'll throw an all you can eat buffet with all 15 recipes. I really dig that banana bread, as well as the rustic bread and the tuna pasta. Such a delicious year of food. Happy New Year. xx
Amanda-The Kitcheneer
Thursday 7th of January 2016
Sounds like 2015 was good to you! And what a great round up of recipes! That grilled cheese tho!
Nutmeg Nanny
Wednesday 6th of January 2016
What a delicious year you had! I'm totally digging that breakfast mug cake...
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom
Tuesday 5th of January 2016
Happy New Year! So many gorgeous recipes. I don't think I could pick a favorite!